Suspected cases of hand-foot- &-mouth disease found in local schools

…not a “health crisis”, “don’t panic” – Health Minister

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony is urging parents and other stakeholders to remain calm after cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease have been detected among students at a few public schools in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
Dr Anthony confirmed on Tuesday that the Health Ministry had received complaints of children displaying these symptoms last week, and he said the matter is being addressed.
“So, last week we got a report of a few students at one of the schools on the East Coast experiencing some vesicles on their hands, and the ministry sent a team to investigate. From the clinical picture that we have seen, it looks like hand-foot -and-mouth disease,” he stated.
“We also got another report from another school, and we sent a team there as well. So, our infectious disease experts in the ministry, they have been looking at this, and clinically they think that it is this hand-foot-and-mouth disease,” he detailed.
“Now, to verify whether that is so or not, we have taken laboratory samples…”

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HMFD) is a mild, contagious viral infection most common in infants and children younger than five years old. Symptoms include sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days.
The Health Minister is urging parents not to panic, and has emphasized that the situation is not a “health crisis”, as is being portrayed by the Opposition party.
“The cases that we’ve seen are predominantly on the East Coast, and they’re not a lot of cases. They’re just a couple of cases that we have seen that were referred to us… Now, this disease is what you would say is a self-limiting disease. So, somebody would get these things on their skin, and after three days it would go away. It’s not fatal, and therefore I don’t think people should worry unduly,” Dr Anthony has said.
According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, HMFD can spread quickly at schools and day care centres.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Health Ministry has said it is actively investigating and monitoring a suspected outbreak of Hand-Foot-and- Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
On March 11, an expert team from the Health Ministry conducted an initial visit to assess the situation and provide necessary support. A follow-up visit was conducted on March 18. Samples have been collected and sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for confirmation of the pathogen.
Moreover, while highly contagious, HFMD is generally not severe; most cases resolve on their own within seven to 10 days. Medical treatment is primarily to relieve pain and fever, and to prevent dehydration.
To minimize the risk of infection, the Ministry advises the public to take the following precautionary measures: Practice regular handwashing with soap and water; avoid close contact with individuals who are exhibiting symptoms; and sanitize and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and shared items.
Individuals, particularly children, showing symptoms of HFMD are strongly encouraged to remain at home until they are no longer contagious. Parents are urged to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if any of their children exhibit signs or symptoms of HFMD, or if the illness persists for more than one week.